It's private sector that is leading the race to enter fuel supply agreement (FSA) with Coal India Ltd (CIL). On Friday, China Light and Power (CLP)-operated Jajjar Power Ltd has entered the fuel pact for its supercritical 1,320-MW project at Haryana.
The 2 X 660 MW plant will receive thermal coal supplies from Central Coalfields. According to CIL sources, CLP is the six private sector operator after Ahmedabad-based Adani Power (Mundra, 600 MW), Kolkata-headquartered CESC Ltd (Budge Budge, 250 MW); Reliance Power-controlled Uttar Pradesh-based Rosa Power (3X 300), Lanco (Anpara, 2 X 600 MW) and Bajaj Energy (UP, 4X 45 MW). The combined capacity of the private sector owned plants entering FSA is approximately 4,500 MW.
CIL sources suggest that so far 17 out of a identified 48 plants, reportedly commissioned between April 2009 and December 2011 have entered FSA.
The Rajasthan State Government controlled utility is the only public sector to have entered the fuel pact so far. With private sector making a beeline to enter FSAs, the controversy is now revolving around the government owned coal and power companies.